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PRICE:
$13.00
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ARTIST
TITLE
Long Hidden: The Olmec Series
FORMAT
CD

LABEL
CATALOG #
AUM 036CD AUM 036CD
GENRE
RELEASE DATE
3/14/2006

"Explores and expands on the ancient DNA/cultural codex that connects Africa to The Americas -- reflecting William Parker's long abiding interest in and study of the continental connection between the Manding people of West Africa and the Olmec of ancient Mexico (root culture of the Maya forward). A listening meditation exercise toward your enduring pertinence in the present world? A ten-track introductory manual on how to comport yourself in the reigning parallel? Yes to both questions. 2012 is on its way, after all. The album opens with an arrestingly spacious solo bass performance of the traditional hymn 'There Is A Balm In Gilead,' one of William's favorites. It continues episodically with music from three different sessions. The title track is a series of solo pieces on the 8-string doson ngoni (traditional hunter's guitar from West Africa). William was introduced to the instrument in 1975 by Don Cherry. And finally, launching off the grid, are four tracks by The Olmec Group. These four tracks are at the crux of Long Hidden -- mysterious and entrancing sound poetry embracing the Caribbean and Middle America via inspiration drawn from the Great Stone Head of the Olmec. Further to William on percussion and 6-string doson ngoni, the O.G. is composed of Dave Sewelson: the veteran saxophone player who has been active on the creative music scene for the last thirty years, Todd Nicholson: a formidable presence on the bass who when not leading his own bands can be heard with the violinist Billy Bang, and -- Omar Payano, Isaiah Parker, Gabriel Nunez and Luis Ramierez -- all under 23 years old, who play Merengue music."